Vocal Layering of Dissimilar Lyrics - Lyrical Layering

     Obsessive behavior cannot be forced and is not governed by the calendar. That’s one lesson from 2014. After our obsessive behavior toward the use of the trumpet in Indie music became more controlled, we wanted to focus on the cello. Without question, our appreciation for the cello increased. It is perhaps the most effective instrument in musically conveying certain emotions, such as by creating a mournful undertone.

     But while the intent was to build an obsession around Indie cello during 2014, the behavior never reached the stage of obsessiveness. Instead, the interest turned increasingly toward layered vocals. Not the layering of the same voice or different voices over the same lyrics (such as layered harmonization); the still growing interest is in the simultaneous singing of different lyrics. The best example of "lyrical layering" might be a video that is included here, with two people mashing Sam Smith and Ed Sheeran songs. But that best example is not where we want to start.

     It is common for the lyrical layering to occur in the second half of a song. That describes “Delete” by DMA’s. The song surfaced in early 2014, but we embarrassingly missed the boat until much later. DMA’s is a trio based in Newtown, Australia. The members are Tommy O'Dell, Matt Mason and Johnny Took.

     For us, “Delete” is a turn-it-up-twice song. That’s a song that triggers a first increase in volume when it begins and then a second one when the song reaches its best feature. The best feature is the layering that starts at 3:17. Is that a twelve-string guitar that enters only shortly before?  

     “Delete” by DMA’s

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     Stuart Newman identifies his hometown as South Coast, UK. In his song “One Big F,” the lyrical layering dominates the second half of the track.
           “One Big F" by Stuart Newman

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     The video layers Sam Smith and Ed Sheeran songs. “Thinking Out Loud”/“I'm Not The Only One” MASHUP (Sam Tsui & Casey Breves). 

     “Hey Mami” by Sylvan Esso doesn’t delay. The duo of Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn is better known for their single “Coffee,” but it’s “Hey Mami” that excels in the use of lyrical layering.

      “Hey Mami” by Sylvan Esso

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     In “Shuffle” by Bombay Bicycle Club, the lyrical layering starts at around 2:46.

     Small Wonder is the performance name of Henry Crawford, who is based in Brooklyn. The female voice belongs to Susannah Cutler. The layering occurs at the 4:43 mark, but there is plenty to enjoy during those first four plus minutes.

     “Until I Open My Wings” by Small Wonder

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     “Till Forever Runs Out” by Alex Vargas incorporates lyrical layering near the end of the song. For a much longer time, we are “teased” with the layering, as the lead vocals and the backing chorus take turns, but with a small overlap. But with about a minute left, the lyrical layering is in full force. Alex Vargas is located in London.
     “Till Forever Runs Out” by Alex Vargas

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     “Falling” by Howard – yes, we are fans.

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     Let’s finish with lyrical layering that was the goal from the outset.